In 1946, Sister St. Mark McMahon saw the need for special education classes for school-aged children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were being ignored by the traditional education system-they were simply falling through the cracks. Sister St. Mark, along with the Sisters of St. Joseph founded Holy Childhood.

The focus was on Education and Vocational Training. Academic subjects were adapted to each student's level, pace and ability. This focus remains the same today and a multitude of programs have been added. In the School Program and the Adult Program, academics and program areas such as Activities of Daily Living, integration in the community through Work-Based Learning, Supported Employment and many other individualized programs continue to help prepare people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for an independent, happy and fulfilling life.

Over the years we've outgrown several different facilities. The Holy Childhood campus is now located at 100 Groton Pkwy., in Henrietta. We have seen tremendous growth in all areas and have become a multi-faceted, innovative non-profit agency. Mrs. Donna Dedee is our President and CEO.

Holy Childhood is a non-profit agency, which serves more than 200 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in its School Program (ages 5-21) and in its Adult Program, which serves people from age 21 through retirement. Services include individualized education, vocational training, transition and skills training, supported employment, Medicaid Service Coordination and diagnostic and treatment services.

Holy Childhood is a 2017 ETHIE Award Recipient from the Rochester Area Business Ethics Foundation (RABEF).

Our Mission

To prepare children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for maximum independence and integration in the community through individualized programs and services, in keeping with the philosophy and vision of our founders. We are dedicated to serving our people in an atmosphere of dignity and compassion.

Our Vision

To provide state-of-the-art programs and services setting the standard for the education, habilitation and treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our Values

Holy Childhood was founded in 1946 by educators and community leader visionaries who believed in the value of every person regardless of their abilities.

We are committed to the people we serve, their families, our staff, our friends and our supporters.

We respect one another and our differences; we provide unconditional love, caring and compassion for all we serve.

We strive for continuous learning and improvement.

We strive to achieve the highest quality of service consistent with available resources and the needs of the people we serve.

We strive to use our resources in the most effective and efficient manner.

Holy Childhood thrives on respect, love and caring, and delivers results through adherence to these values.

If you would like to see our agency first-hand, please call (585) 359-3710 to schedule a tour.

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Holy Childhood admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.